or Pineapple and Candy Blue (yellow and teal).
The EX is far more conservative in
appearance, with softer, more traditional lines,
and a single combination of white with Torch
Red accents on the hood and graphics. Both
craft feature black hulls.{ X-FACTORS } Other considerations? The
Yamaha can realistically hold three adults, a fact
we verifi ed by loading three dudes in the saddle.
The Sea-Doo is more realistically two adults
and a small child. With both craft, one- or two-
up riding is far more comfortable. The Yamaha’s
length and weight make it the superior vehicle
if you’re interested in watersports towing,
although serious enthusiasts should look a step
higher in each manufacturer’s lineup.
Neither craft’s weight will require a truck
or SUV to tow to and from the water. That fact
alone opens up the boating market to far more
potential consumers. Both models are also easy
to store, fi tting into the average garage on a
trailer or taking up less space beside the house.
Each manufacturer has been forced to get
creative when it comes to engine access. Slimmer
hulls mean slimmer saddles, which equates to a
lack of room to access the engine compartment
below. Sea-Doo provides owners access to
common maintenance areas—oil fi ll anddipstick, battery, and coolant reservoir—through
two access ports. To access the entire engine,
the top deck can be removed (it’s fastened to
the hull via a rubber gasket and bolts around the
perimeter) in under 15 minutes. Yamaha off ers
basic maintenance access by removing the saddle
and lifting out either the undersaddle storage
tub or fi re extinguisher base. For full access, a
composite seat base unbolts to reveal the engine
compartment below.{ AND THE WINNER IS... } Choosing a
winner ultimately comes down to which craft’s
personality best fi ts that of you and your family.
Want those fl ashier looks and that light and
playful feel? Then the Spark has the obvious
advantage. Want a craft that can better handle
a wider variety of water conditions, more
comfortably haul two to three passengers, and
better tow the kids skiing and tubing? Then the
EX is the superior candidate. Stowage and fuel
capacities also come into play.
Personally, I like the looks and playfulness of
the Spark, but if I have to consider my rougher
local water conditions, how many people will
often be along for the ride, and my family’s
fondness for watersports, I have to give the nod to
the EX. At this price point, it’s the more versatile
PH craft—visibility of dock dings be darned.
OT
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YAM
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MOTOR^ CORPORATION,^USAYAMAHA
EXHOW WE TESTED
ENGINE: 1,049CC YAMAHA TR-1
MARINE ENGINE
PUMP/IMPELLER: 144 MM HIGH-
PRESSURE PUMP WITH STAINLESS-
STEEL IMPELLER
FUEL LOAD: 8 GAL.
CREW WEIGHT: 155 LB.Price: $6,799High Points
XThough still relatively small, size
and weight advantage make the
EX the better choice in rougher or
larger bodies of water.
XCapacity king: Superior fuel and
passenger capacities increase
range, add versatility.
XMore precise handling.
Low Points
XAt this price point, reverse is not
standard equipment.
XSingle color choice available.
· LOA: 123.2" · BEAM: 3'8.5" · DRY
WEIGHT: 578 lb. · DISPLACEMENT:
1,049cc · FUEL CAPACITY: 13.2 gal.
· MAXIMUM HORSEPOWER:NA
· NUMBER OF RIDERS: 3 · TOP SPEED:
50 mph · STOWAGE CAPACITY: 7.7
gal. · APPLICATION: RecreationalBOATINGMAG.COM | JUNE 2019 | 95